I love, for instance, these products, designed to help a girl out:
Vinnie's Tampon Case
, $11.95
Vinnie's Giant Roller Coaster Period Chart & Journal Sticker Book
, $18.84
Womens Hand Made Retro "Raving B" Personal Case
, $24.99
Tres Femme Crystal Tampon Holder 
, $14.99
Tres Femme Girly Case pantiliner holder, $20.
But I must say, I am quite turned off by something I just caught wind of: the Period Bracelet.
At $10, its description is "interesting":
I dig the fact that a portion of proceeds goes towards cervical cancer research, but the rest of it more than borders on ridiculous - it is waaaay over into ridiculous territory, in my opinion. Like the selection of t-shirts:
"Let us know when you flow"? How about a big F*CK YOU! Is that letting you know enough?!
Let's take a closer look at this one
And, the rest are worse.
Listen, I can appreciate the fact that some women are right b*tches at that time of the month but don't I have enough to deal with than worry about how other people are coping with my period? For the love of God, there's no doubt in my mind that these products are the product of some brainchild who happens to have a penis but here's the thing about making fun of women when their monthly visitor is around: if men bled, there would have been a cure years ago. Guys - you can't handle this sh*t!!
Amusing or offensive, these products are ridiculous, and I cannot a) imagine a woman who would buy one, or b) recommend it.
I have a great sense of humour! But I also have some really terrible months where it feels like I have food poisoning, anemia, the flu, appendicitis, and have been hit by a Mac truck, all at the same time, for a few days. And to think I might be inconveniencing anyone with this "affliction" is just more than I can take.
I am well aware of the fact that any media coverage is good media coverage, so in essence I am supporting what they are doing. I'll just end with two words to the guy behind these products: good luck. (With your business, and any woman unlucky enough to end up with you!)
31 comments:
yip i would NOT buy any of this stuff, i don't need to advertise my monthly to the world. Guess someone thinks it is funny and a great way to make a quick buck. I am sure you won't be seeing any celebrities wearing any of this.
Amen sista! Seriously, who in their right mind? I can think of so many other things I'd rather spend my money on! :) Mona
PS - Love your site! Hi to Tan!
I have a great sense of humour! But I also have some really terrible months where it feels like I have food poisoning, anemia, the flu, appendicitis, and have been hit by a Mac truck, all at the same time, for a few days. And to think I might be inconveniencing anyone with this "affliction" is just more than I can take.
That was my favorite part. I definitely agree!
while I do like the pink and blingy "cigar" case, the rest is YUCK and degoulasse and just plain WRONG
seriously WT/TPT
and I think you are right about it not being a woman who designed the "ridiculous" portion of this post
I own the top item (tampon case) and I bought the book and the case for my sister for her birthday.
They are both awesome! The case is great it keeps your tampons in good condition, and they don't get damaged and move around in your purse and then break out of the crappy paper tube thing and then get nasty.
The book was great, I got it for my sister when she turned 12, it makes having your period seem less gross, and it let's you track it so you know when it's coming.
When I started to get my period I was young there was none of this stuff around, and personally I found all that flowery s@*! made me feel worse / gross.
This stuff is cool and hip, and lets you know that having your period is not that bad.
The case is just practical, it holds your tampons, keeps them from getting damaged.
The book is great for younger girls starting their period. It helps you track for when it's going to happen next, lets your know your not the only one.
I give both 10 / 10
sad, it's really sad. this is the same mentality that has women going on The Pill to clear up their skin, and being to "posh to push" for childbirth, and generally not embracing the potent power of what's natural. "Let us know when you flow." Fuck You is right. Flow THAT.
Seroiusly, there are lots of crazy things out there that I would not waste any time or money on - and the shirts & bracelet top the list. As one blogger said, I could see the use of the cases as, ya, the paper / plastic in your purse does get crumpled with time - but I've recycled an old eye glasses case & used that for years so no need to spend any money there, either.
It is all well and good to have a sense of humour about the crap we face in life. Then there is tacky. Only a man reared on Pil, South Park, and country music would think this was even funny. I'd like to hear what happens if a man buys this for his wife!
I'm confused about the bracelet. Are they trying to get you to wear the bracelet when you're 'flowin'? To warn all those around you that you are currently 'flowin'? Worst website ever - because it doesn't say what it's intention is, and they are obviously TRYING to be hilar, but it's just not working.
i'm not really sure what they are trying to achieve with this. shock perhaps. so, basically, in order to 'save relationships' we wear this warning bracelet so people know to stay away from us because we might be volatile? or to excuse our emotional reactions to things? or to warn potential suitors that we are closed for business? lol i think i'll keep that to myself. definitely designed by a man.
Really just terrible. In poor taste, and just plain ridiculous. It boggles the mind, and does absolutely nothing for male-female understanding. Cavemen. I'll tell you how you can tell how I have my period. You have no head!! (literally - both heads!) Dickwads.
If I received a dollar for every time I have been rushed to hospital or visited emergency for the "affliction" medically known as DYSMENORRHEA (yes google it, it is real my friends) I would be rich and would certainly not purchase any of these products which seem to trivialize the monthly trauma I have gone through since I was 12.
THANK YOU all for weighing in on this! Honestly, it is just ridiculous. We are women! Hear us roar!! Keep the discussion coming.
You are being too serious and have no sense of humor. What's the matter, are you on your period or something?
Just kidding. I couldn't resist.
The products do not possess the simple genius of, say, a "Free Mustache Rides" t-shirt, but I do see a market (college) for them, nonetheless.
People buy stupid shit. How else do you explain diaper bags? I already have roughly 10 bags of various sizes in my closet, none of which is a diaper bag. I've tested all of them. Guess what? They can all hold diapers.
Crazy.
"For the love of God, there's no doubt in my mind that these products (are) the product of some brainchild who happens to have a penis but here's the thing about making fun of women when their monthly visitor is around: if men bled, there would have been a cure years ago. Guys - you can't handle this sh*t!!"
As far as I can see, there's nothing on the Periodbracelet site that says this stuff was made by men. (The sales contact's name is Donnie, but then so is my aunt's.) And you get extra 18th Century points for thinking your period needs a "cure". That comment is about as empowering as this whole mindless/sexist blog devoted to women and shopping - which, since you asked, is really what's offensive here.
Roar,
Frank
Hi Frank,
Thanks for stopping by! I didn't actually ask for feedback on my blog itself but hey - I appreciate it nonetheless.
I happen to know that the site was started by a guy...and who he is.
And I didn't actually say, if you read it through, that my period needs a cure, rather that if men got them, they would have come up with a "cure".
And for the most part, yes, the blog is devoted to women because we tend to be the ones who seek out such information, or at least about the products I try out and report on. Although, I'll be looking more into products for men and pets, so feel free to come back and read about those.
And just one more thing, the site isn't exactly devoted to shopping but to making smarter choices with your hard-earned dollars.
Now, isn't it funny that you commented anonymously! Thanks for weighing in, nonetheless.
Ok so you want a guy's point of view? You're probably right. These products were, more than likely, designed by "one of US". I can see how a juvenile male mind would find this stuff funny (especially a drunk one). You know how some guys get when they've had a few.
I'm a bit older (40) and have a great (& sometimes twisted) sense of humour. My sis-in-law (Tamara)can attest to that! I'm not totally offended by the products. I just think they're plain stupid. I guess I'm not offended simply due to the fact that I'm a guy and can't really relate to what you girls go through every month. And believe me when I say "thank goodness!".
The reality is we have it easy in comparision...and not just in the "aunt flow" arena. I just have to watch my wife every month to know this to be true. I wouldn't want to go through the crap women go through. Probably couldn't handle it either!
I guess the bottom line is that I can't fault someone for trying to make a buck. Don't like it, don't buy it. Life's too short to get your shorts in a knot over it. This line of "merchandise" is only one of thousands that use shock value and poor taste to attempt to empty our wallets. If this company were exploiting children or some such thing then I would have much stronger feelings about it. Ignore this idiot and his company will, more than likely, just disappear very soon.
K, gotta go enjoy dinner with my beautiful wife and kids. They're my world and worth every second of my time and every ounce of my energy...
I don't know anyone who would buy one of those t-shirts. What were they thinking!
Trust you sweet sister to find the most unusual and interesting things! Now I don't find them particularly offensive but more annoying! Just the fact that someone thought this up and actually had them made ... it baffles the mind! Find a cure for Cancer or volunteer at a soup kitchen ... don't make stupid t-shirts!!
On the other hand ... I really would like one of those tampon holders ... they were cool!
Thanks for bringing us yet another interesting view into the world out there!!
Loves ... T.
We seem to be in an era of too much information and this is one thing I don't want to know about people. Gotta draw the line somewhere!
Monika
thanks for the nice valentine's day gift ideas.
hope you're goin' with the flow. -j
I agree with you!! Well said! As I guy, how can we tell or sell, what you (women) go through!!
MC
no i totally agree with you i think that that is wrong on so many levels
Tabatha
I would never be caught "advertising" my period. Especially so negatively. It was definitely thought up by some guy. I think joking about your period is one thing but it went a bit far.
Rebecca
I'm staying out of this one...
Chris
I have to agree it is very tasteless and yes, I do have a sense of humour.
why do people have to go out of their way to create a promblem . if you dont like it dont look at it. I personaly think that is a very cute idea .
god bless you , take care , Dawn
Offensive, ignorant and not funny. Stupid, too.
Katrink, I was thinking - did you read the whole post? 'Cuz I'd love your opinion on the Period Bracelet. I think you might have only seen the top and not clicked on the "read more" link...
I have to agree with Rick on this one, there are way too many other bad things going on today than some small minded guy trying to make a buck off "Aunt Flow". Although the bracelet as Renaye and I laughed about, could save a few arguments....
Take Care
Hey Babes! The first stuff is good but Im with you on the over the top stuff... ew and double ew.
Some guy probably came up with that crap!
Your blog is looking great, I will check back in when I can. At at competition in Regina now... Cold. Wish I was in warm lala land with you and Duane! Pug needs to meet him!
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